The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1887-04-06
A DRAMATIC EVENT.
HENRY WARD BEECHER's CHILLY
RECEPTION AT RICHMOND, VA.

HENRY WARD BEEcHER's CHILLY
RECEPTION AT RICHMOND, VA.
Incident of Ills Lecture After the War.
The Ladies' ColdIy Curious and the
Men Coolly Expectant-Applauded to
the Echo.
zone Of the most dramatic events in the
optorical career of Henry Ward
Beecher,n says Mayor Darlington. Of
Richmond, Va, occurred in Richmond
five years ago this spring, during his lee
turing tour through the south The an
nouncement that he was to lecture at
Mozart hall on The North and the South
filled the old building 1t was his first
appearance in Richmond since the war;
and he was rather doubtful about the
kind of reception he would get. When he
walked out on the stage he saw before
him distinguished audience OF southern
ers, including several leading generals on
the losing side. In the fourth row of the
orchestra sat Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, and just
behind him Gen. Rosser, while near by
were Ex-Governor Extra Billy Smith and
Governor Cameron. No applause greeted
the great preacher as he stepped before
the footlights. The ladies leyeed their
opera glasses at him with cold curiosity
and the men looked coolly expectant
Some Kisses from a few rowdies in the
gallery did not tend to dispel the chilliness
of the reception.
"Mr Beecher surveyed the audience
calmly for moment, and then stepping
directly in front of Gen. Lee, he said, 4
have seen pictures of Gen, Fitzhugh Lee
and judge that you are the man am
right"
1.-The general, slightly taken buck by
this direct address, nodded stifily, while
the audience bent forward, breathless with
curiosity as TO what was going to follow.
"'Then, said Mr. Beecher, his face
lighting up, Il want to offer you this right
hand, which, in its own way, fought
against you and yours twenty-five years
ago, but which | would now willingly
sacrifice to make the sunny south pros
porous and happy. VIII you take it, gem
eraly'
A DEATH-L1KE STIFFNESS
"There was moments hesitation, n
moment Of deathlike stiffness in the hall,
and then FitzhuGh Lee was on his feet,
his hand was extended across the foot
grasp of the preachers.
'At first there was murmur, half of
surprise and half of doubtfulness, from the
audience; then there was hesitating
clapping Of hands, and before Beecher had
Embossed the hand of Robert r. Lees
nephew-now governor of Nirginia-there
were cheers such ms were never before
heard in old Mozart, though it had been
the scene Of many a war and political
meeting.
''But that was only the beginning of
the enthusiasm.
When the noise subsidized Mr. Beechcr
continued: when | go back home shall
proudly tell that have grasped the hand
of the nephew of the great southern chief
tain; shall tell my people that | went to
the Confederate capital with heart full
of love for the people whom my principles
once obliged me to oppose, and that | was
met half way by the brave southerners,
who can forgive as well as they can fight
Five minutes of applause followed,
and then Mr.. Beecher, having gained the
hearts Of his audience, began his lecture,
and was applauded TO the echo. That
night he entered his carriage and drove to
his hotel amid shouts such as had never
greeted a northern man in Richmond
since the war.-New York Home journal.